Bao Ji (Lia)
My morning began with a growl instead of a breath.
Because of one person.
Just thinking of his name makes my blood boil.
That petty, beef-obsessed, turtle-loving emperor!
"That damn turtle soup!" I hissed as I got out of bed.
Remembering his smug face while I fought my own organs not to vomit makes me want to punch the shit out of him.
"My Lady?" my maid asked carefully.
"He thinks I can't be petty?" I hissed, grabbing my pillow like a murder weapon.
"Who made my lady so angry?"
Who? WHO??
The petty bastard idiot.
I swung the pillow at the mattress.
"I would shove a whole live turtle down his throat." BANG!
"He enjoyed watching me suffer!" BANG!
"Petty bastard!" BANG!
"GOD! I could kill him right now—!" BANG—
"Lady Bao Ji?" a voice called from outside the door.
I froze mid-swing.
Breathing like I'd just outrun a forest fire.
"What?" I snapped.
My maid stood stiff at the table, shaking like a leaf after witnessing my full mental breakdown.
"Lady Bao Si requests you accompany her to the market today." A voice came from outside.
"…Who?" I asked, horrified.
"Lady Bao Si, my lady."
I stared at my maid.
"Did I hear that correctly?"
She nodded. Quickly. Like her life depended on it.
Great.
Just great.
"I'll get ready and come," I said, forcing my breath to steady.
I threw the pillow back onto the bed and glared at my maid.
"Let's get ready. Cruella de Vil waits."
Before I entered the palace, or more like before I took over her body, Bao Ji always accompanied Bao Si to the market. But since entering the palace, she hasn't called me once.
So why now?
The carriage was dead silent.
She didn't speak.
I didn't speak.
I wasn't in the mood to entertain anybody today.
"I've heard you're spending time with the Queen," Bao Si said finally, still staring ahead with that ice-block face.
"Is it a problem?" I asked, matching her cold tone.
"No. But people gossip in the palace."
Breathe, Lia.
Just breathe.
"And should I care? Because…" I gestured.
"It's not good for the Bao family if people gossip about you. It could embarrass us."
Breathe.
Don't punch her.
Breathe.
I scoffed. "Just say the truth."
"What do you mean?" she asked, playing innocent.
"One: I can be close to whoever the hell I want.
Two: I don't give a damn about gossip."
Bao Si fell silent.
At this point she might as well just say she hates me being around the Queen.
All this dancing around the truth was annoying.
When we arrived at the market, she didn't look at a single stall.
Instead, she kept turning left and right… waiting for someone.
Meanwhile, I was admiring earrings, bracelets, and necklaces—because unlike her, I had priorities.
We took a turn, and I almost slammed into someone.
"I'm so sorry—!"
I looked up.
Oh no.
Not him.
"Your Majesty," Bao Si said softly, bowing.
"Sorry my ass…" I whispered.
"Concubine Ji, did you say something?" His amused voice pierced my soul.
Idiot.
"I said I was paying my respects to His Majesty." I plastered on a smile.
It probably looked more like a grimace.
"Concubine Si, did you find something you like?" he asked Bao Si with that soft, gentle tone.
Of course.
They walked ahead together, and I followed behind like the world's saddest third wheel.
Choke me.
The emperor stopped at every stall and bought her everything—earrings, bracelets, hairpins—like he was stocking up a personal jewellery store.
And Bao Si?
Ice princess.
Except for the tiny, tiny smile forming each time he spoke.
Oh no.
They were close.
Not just close—too close.
I needed a plan. Fast.
"Concubine Ji?" His Majesty's voice called me back.
"Yes?" I asked.
"You are quiet."
What did he want me to do? Tap dance?
And what exactly was he insinuating? That I'm loud?
"Is Your Majesty trying to say I'm usually loud?"
The emperor stopped and turned toward me.
My cousin hovered behind him, watching us.
"I did not say that," he said calmly, studying my face.
"Do I have something on my face?" I asked, touching my cheeks.
"Yes."
I froze.
"Anger."
…
Okay.
Ouch.
"Why would Your Majesty think I'm angry?"
"It shows on your face."
Angry at you, turtle-soup bastard.
"I am not angry. I'm completely fine."
Without another word, he turned back to Bao Si.
"Are you hungry? We can get something to eat."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Bao Si replied gently.
Of course she was.
When we reached the pavilion near the market, we were given a private room.
"What should I bring for His Majesty?" the waiter asked.
My brain acted instantly. My mouth even faster.
"His Majesty is really craving turtle soup, roasted beef, and lamb."
The waiter froze.
Then nodded and left.
I turned to the emperor with a satisfied smile.
"Your Majesty doesn't need to be shy. Everyone has a favourite food they can't stop eating."
I waited for him to refuse, get flustered, shout—anything.
But he just stared at me.
Murderously.
I can be petty too.
And he will hear about this for the rest of his life.
When the waiter came with the food, I also asked for wine.
Bao Si was watching the whole time, face unreadable.
Not jealousy.
More like confusion.
Maybe disbelief that I dared to talk to the emperor like this.
But I didn't care.
I was satisfied.
Revenge tasted delicious.
"I love this wine," I said happily. "Would Your Majesty like to try it?"
I didn't even wait for his answer—I poured him a cup.
"Cousin?" I asked Bao Si. She nodded.
I leaned back with a smirk aimed directly at the emperor.
He was not impressed.
Maybe slightly annoyed.
Good.
Bon appétit, Your Majesty.